Battle of Short Hills

The Battle of Short Hills occurred as British forces attempted to catch Washington's army during its movement across New Jersey. Howe repeatedly tried to maneuver the Continental Army into a decisive engagement during the spring of 1777, but Washington consistently refused to be drawn into a major battle on unfavorable terms.

At Short Hills, Lord Stirling's division was attacked by superior British forces and fought a stubborn rear-guard action covering the army's escape. Stirling's men held off the British long enough for the main army to reach safety in the New Jersey highlands. The action cost the Americans some casualties but achieved its objective of preserving the army.

The pattern of this period demonstrated Washington's fundamental strategic wisdom: avoid the decisive battle the British sought, preserve the Continental Army as the symbol and substance of American resistance, and wait for opportunities to strike on favorable terms. By refusing to be destroyed at Short Hills, Washington maintained the army that would eventually win at Saratoga, Trenton, and Yorktown.